Legal News
Benefit Claimant Caught Competing in Motocross Races (19 October 2011)
Date: 19/10/2011
A benefit claimant who told the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that he was unable to walk was filmed competing in a British motocross racing championship. Jake Preston, 20, claimed to be crippled with the rare condition of Syringomyelia, which had caused him severe neck and spine pain from the age of four. Mr. Preston, who had a long history of racing bikes, was found by benefit fraud investigators to have competed at motocross races both in the UK and abroad. Mr. Parkin had used his claims of ill health to enrol on a construction course at Bolton College and acquire a Vauxhall Corsa mobility car courtesy of taxpayers.
Mr. Preston, from Bolton, Lancashire, had been in receipt of around £100 per week to pay for his mobility and care requirements. From September 2007 through to March 2010, Mr. Parkin had fraudulently pocketed a total of £15,128. He pleaded guilty to one charge of failing to notify the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) of a change in circumstance. William Birtwell, prosecuting, explained to the court that the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) was reserved for those requiring “significant care” day and night. Joe O'Conner, defending, said that Mr. Preston had simply “relied on the advice of other people” when completing his claim form. Mr. Preston must carry out 250 hours of unpaid work and will also be required to pay court costs of £150 and repay the money he had fraudulently claimed.
Duncan Lewis’ understands that clients find the benefits system complex. Their welfare benefits solicitors can provide legal assistance relating to all claimant issues.